Pennethorne’s Café — London, UK

Since opening in 2000 as an arts space, Somerset House has evolved beyond its purpose; its grounds are now a labyrinth of exhibition areas, eateries and, famously, ice rinks. Strictly speaking, its latest addition falls into the culinary category, but Pennethorne’s Café Bar also gently incorporates elements of Somerset House’s journey. Named for Sir James Pennethorne, the architect who designed the House’s ‘New Wing’, the restaurant designed by local firm SHH, is inspired by The Grand Tour (Pennethorne's legendary journey across Europe) to showcases a space that is dotted with antiqued bronzed mirrors, bespoke banquettes, and playful illustrations of 19th century figures. Food meanwhile, is a selection of deli-style classics, which centre on the offerings from an onsite bakery.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
New Wing
Somerset House
Strand
London
WC2R 1LA
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Carmela’s joins London’s pizza renaissance
A Little Italy-inspired pizzeria lands in Islington with 13-inch pies, pepperoni heat and big flavour energy
-
Triennale Milano unveils Gioco, a new creative space for kids
At Triennale Milano, Gioco by architect Luca Cipelletti is a playful example of how design can be fun, functional, and family-friendly
-
In Mumbai, two coastal apartments offer options for brothers with different styles
Rajiv Saini’s NJM & PVM apartments in Mumbai demonstrate how identical layouts can be transformed into two distinct interiors
-
Carmela’s joins London’s pizza renaissance
A Little Italy-inspired pizzeria lands in Islington with 13-inch pies, pepperoni heat and big flavour energy
-
Has the ice cream parlour come of age?
A global wave of architecture studios is treating the scoop as spectacle, turning parlours into immersive social spaces
-
Legado brings a bold Spanish legacy to Shoreditch
Michelin-starred chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho’s second venture marries design-led interiors with regional Spanish flavours rarely found in London
-
The Macbeth, an icon of indie sleaze, goes from grotty to gastro
An East End legend meets Portuguese small plates in Jamie Allan’s ambitious revival of a beloved Hackney watering hole
-
A complete collection of Phaidon’s ‘Contemporary Artists Series’ is on display in London
A 30-year project reaching 100 volumes is being celebrated with an exhibition at the 45 Park Lane hotel, including limited-edition works by Kaws and Dana Schutz
-
London’s best pizza restaurant gets a new home in Mayfair
Secure a slice of New York-style pizza in central London as Crisp Pizza teams up with the Devonshire pub to set up shop in the relaunched The Marlborough
-
At this east London listening bar, mezcal-fuelled cocktails hit as hard as the basslines
In Bethnal Green, Little Fires pairs vinyl grooves with mezcal margaritas and Oaxacan sharing plates
-
Harry Nuriev’s Noisy Oyster London bistro isn’t quite finished – and that’s the point
A futuristic, work-in-progress aesthetic forms a striking backdrop for a new, sustainably focused seafood bistro in Shoreditch